Today Irwin and I attended the launch of Telstra’s new Android-esque store in their Melbourne CBD store dubbed “Androidland”. Android has well and truly taken over a majority (154 square metres) of the second level of the 246 Bourke St store with hands-on demos of a lot of Android devices and their cool features. The dedicated Android retail presence is the first of its kind in the world with representatives of many manufacturers (HTC, Motorola, Sony Ericsson & Samsung) as well as Telstra and even a rep from Google — she even had an engineering version of the Galaxy Nexus close at hand.

The setup is set to stay in the store for 6 months, with a continued presence if consumers see a benefit from it, in which case it may move to other major stores as well. It’s not just in the store that has had an Android makeover, the outside glass windows have all been transformed to show off Android as well as a touchscreen allowing you to play Angry Birds (off of a Windows PC, of course).

Inside of the store are three sections of displays showing off just Android devices (tablets + phones). Telstra said the idea of letting people have actual hands-on time with devices will increase satisfaction and then purchase of the product, with the help of their “expert” team.

There were no new device announcements, not even a hint of one. When asked about the Galaxy Nexus, Telstra had nothing to say at this point in time. HTC didn’t even make mention of their upcoming 4G device on Telstra which will not only be the first 4G device, but the first running Android as well.

Telstra did say that Androidland would be a perfect place for devices to be announced, especially considering the input Google has had in the creation of the retail presence. Time will tell if the idea works in Telstra’s favour.

Buzz founded Ausdroid in March 2010, and while he has stepped back from active responsibilities around here to focus on his education, Buzz brings us some of our biggest news stories, reviews and latest rumours. We hope to have him back on board more fully around the end of 2012.
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Neither. Irwin just happened to spot it in her hands whilst she was using it in the corner of the store. When we asked her about it she quickly hid it from view, but did tell us it was an engineering one (hence no photos, could be identified) and was running the latest version of ICS. She was in possession of it before the announcement, the lucky thing!

Aalin13

Just had a look at the store, the only new item on display is the galaxy tab 7.7, but it is only a demo and the Guy had no idea if they are selling it.

No sign of galaxy nexus though

Anonymous

you saw the galaxy tab 7.7?? really??? that hasn’t even been announced anywhere in the world. I hope you right m8 fwiw.

So it is just Android stuff that Telstra is currently selling? So no tablets such as the Acer or Toshiba?

http://buzz.id.au Buzz Moody

What do you mean? There are Android tablets there (XOOM, Transformer).

Jon

Any signs of the Galaxy Nexus in that store? Like many here, i’m waiting for a carrier to pick it up and sell it already!

Jon

Nevermind. I just read the rest of the article.

http://buzz.id.au Buzz Moody

See my comment below re. Galaxy Nexus.

Gregorian

Cool!
I’ll take the kids in to see the Myer Windows, and then we’re off to Androidland!!!!!

Well, it’s cheaper than Luna Park.

Abc

Come on Telstra … AndroidLand … Seriously … Could have come up with something better …

Level380

Wasn’t just telstra who choose the name, the video said it was designed between google, telstra and the partners……

Hulkamaphone

you’d assume (rightly or wrongly) that if Telstra are setting up Androidland, they would at least make an effort to get the Galaxy Nexus to Australia!

Hulkamaphone

also (sorry about the double post) I asked a Telstra attendant on Sunday if they planned to get in the GN. I was met with a sly smile followed by a “we haven’t heard anything so most likely not”. I wasn’t sure what to make of that, maybe he had been asked that a lot recently… maybe they are still trying to work out the details?

Maybe I’ll just move to Optus? haha

Warren Mulvahil

Loving my Samsung galaxy note! Cant wait for ICS update…. anyone got any idea how much longer? ooh! and should I root it? scared to do it cause | bought it outright so don’t want to screw it. any help greatly appreciated

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